I am so excited to announce that my website is finally LIVE! I couldn't have done it without the expertise of Josh Wong, who has helped me tremendously with the web hosting side of things... From domain management to email services. I also have to thank Simon from Snowman Digital for his help (and patience) with designing my business logo.  I'd totally recommend them both to anyone.

So back to my website... ;)  I have decided to go for the gallery layout for my portfolio.  Purely because my audience is able to click on the thumbnail and my image will expand.  Slideshow looks really nice, but is limited to the size of the slideshow.  I hope I have made the right choice!

My prints have been signed, sealed and delivered to the retail store in the CBD.  I can't wait until my fine art prints are being displayed and hopefully selling like hot cakes! I will reveal the store soon so feel free to pop in and buy a New Zealand landscape print if you're in Christchurch!

My next mission is to revamp my business cards with my brand new website URL, and find more retail stores around New Zealand who would love to sell my fine art prints.

Also upcoming on my blog - I will be posting topics on analog photography... Stay tuned!

Well, here's my very first post on my photography blog. I am intending on using this blog to spill my thoughts on... can you guess? Photography, of course!  Occasionally, I will post other topics related to my personal interests, so you can get a bit of variety :-) 

So, for my first entry, I shall write about starting up my own photography business.  It's a small business, selling Limited Edition Fine Art Prints on Etsy.
It's kind of slow going at the moment, considering I have a small baby to look after, but being on maternity leave does help give me that time to do what I need to do when I get a moment (i.e. when my little prince has his day naps).

What have I found challenging so far starting up my own business?  Market penetration.  Getting your name out there.  The challenges of promoting your website and targeting the right market.  Using the relevant keywords for SEO (Search Engine Optimisation).  Self promoting without being an annoying spammer.  Offering giveaways or starting a competition to get people to "Like" your Facebook page.  Joining free advertisement sites such as Plumdrop, StumbleUpon, Pinterest, etc. Sound familiar? Well, I'm new to this whole marketing biz, but I'm learning, oh the power of Google. What are your tips and tricks for market penetration for your photography business?  I'd love to hear them!



Charlene x